St Peter’s Catholic High School and Sixth Form Centre in Gloucester has been rated as good in its recent inspection, reflecting significant improvements since its previous inspection, which required improvement. The school offers a well-structured curriculum that allows pupils to build on their prior knowledge and develop a broad range of skills across various subjects. Pupils engage in numerous extracurricular activities, including music and sports, which contribute to their overall development. The physical education curriculum is particularly noted for promoting physical health effectively.
Students in the sixth form express pride in their education and appreciate the support they receive. They find the curriculum relevant and engaging, with opportunities to develop leadership skills by assisting younger pupils. The school environment is described as calm and respectful, with pupils generally behaving well in lessons and around the school. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and when issues arise, staff address them promptly.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require attention. Pupils do not receive sufficient information regarding careers and further education, which leaves them unprepared for decisions after Year 11. The school has established a student council that provides a platform for pupils to voice their opinions, contributing to a sense of community and involvement in school governance.
The curriculum is well-structured in most subjects, allowing pupils to grasp complex concepts effectively. For instance, the English curriculum focuses on how language is used in various texts, while the music curriculum emphasizes musical notation. However, in some subjects, the curriculum lacks effectiveness, leading to less pride in work and difficulties in recalling key knowledge.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are integrated into the same curriculum as their peers, receiving additional support as needed. The school is committed to the success of disadvantaged pupils, monitoring their progress and ensuring they receive necessary assistance. Despite this, the monitoring of support for these pupils is not fully established across all subjects.
The school has implemented strong behavior management systems, fostering a positive learning environment. Punctuality and attendance are high, contributing to a conducive atmosphere for learning. In the sixth form, the curriculum has been revised to better meet students' needs and interests, with positive feedback from students regarding their courses.
However, the relationships and sex education curriculum lacks proper sequencing, which affects pupils' preparedness for real-world issues. Additionally, the careers education program is not well-structured, leading to gaps in the information provided to pupils about post-16 education options.
Governors are actively involved in the school, asking insightful questions about educational quality and monitoring safeguarding arrangements effectively. Staff express pride in their work environment, indicating a supportive and positive school culture.
The school has effective safeguarding measures in place, ensuring the physical and emotional safety of pupils. Staff are well-trained to identify and address safeguarding concerns, and leaders collaborate with external agencies to provide additional support when necessary.
To improve further, the school should focus on enhancing the curriculum in subjects where it is less effective, ensuring that all pupils receive the necessary information about careers and further education. Additionally, the relationships and sex education curriculum needs to be better sequenced to build on pupils' understanding over time. Overall, St Peter’s Catholic High School demonstrates a commitment to providing a good quality of education and fostering a supportive learning environment for all its pupils.
